YouthBuild
YouthBuild is to help struggling high school students obtain their diploma and/or GED while also training them for high-demand, living-wage careers. Through work readiness training and credentialed pre-apprenticeship training, while building affordable housing, Youthbuild offers employers young workers vetted for their work ethic, maturity, safety practices, and occupational skills. In addition, the YouthBuild Plus component offers youth credentialed training in health care, advanced manufacturing, automotive, IT, and Arborist tree care. YouthBuild also offers system-involved youth intensive one-on-one guidance, support, and mentoring to transform their personal and work lives.
Preparing At-Risk Youth for a Productive Future
YouthBuild champions today’s youth who aspire to improve their lives and communities by building the skills and resources to reach their full potential.
Minnesota’s Youthbuild programs provide opportunities for these young people to pursue their education, prepare for future careers, and grow into community leaders – building brighter futures for themselves, and their neighborhoods.
Crime Prevention Program Model
YouthBuild offers system-involved youth intensive one-on-one guidance, support, and mentoring to transform their personal and work lives. Enrolled offenders use their wages to pay restitution and avoid re-offending with recidivism typically less than 5% over 24 months.
Construction Employment Outcomes
Fifty-five (55) Youthbuild graduates have been placed as registered apprentices in commercial construction, 65 in residential construction, and 28 enrolled in a post- secondary construction or welding degree program since 2014. Average statewide starting wages for current graduates in construction is $22 per hour.
Affordable Housing
Youthbuilders constructed and renovated 30 affordable residential units and 23 garages or other structures in SFY 2023. Since 1991, more than 750 units of affordable housing have been built or renovated. Projects include foreclosed homes, Tiny Houses, Head Start and Early Childhood centers, and battered women’s shelters.
“I can honestly say, without the support and resources at YouthBuild, I would not be where I am today.I appreciate everything they have done for me and what they continue to do for others. I will alwaysspeak highly of YouthBuild.”
— Youth Participant
“Working with the students from City Academy was a pleasure. Their drive to elarn and the ethusiasm they put into the work they did was joy to experince while on site with them.
— Bryan C., Habitat for Humanity
“I’m so very grateful for my opportunity in the YouthBuild program. I recommend this program and give it 10/10.”
— Youth Participant
“This program is incredible! It gave me a chance at living a better life and I thank every staff and student
that stood beside me.”— Youth Participant
“YouthBuild inspired me to do things I didn’t think I could do.” “Building for the community helps me build myself.”
— Youth Participant
“I didn’t know what my place was in the world. I found a place at Youthbuild.”
— Youth Participant